Assistant and Associate Object Conservators
The American Museum of Natural History in New York City seeks an assistant or associate objects conservator to join the conservation team in providing treatment to objects for inclusion in its iconic Hall of Northwest Coast Indians, which is undergoing renovation and is planned to open in late 2020. This is a six-month position with a possible additional six-month extension, available to begin in January 2020.
This portion of the project will involve treatment of approximately 800 small objects from the eight major culture groups in the Northwest Coast that are strongly represented in the collection, as well as potential remedial totem pole treatment. Collection items are made primarily from organic materials, including wood and painted wood, hide, cedar bark and other plant fibers, feathers, fur, textiles, ivory, shell, as well as metals.
Duties and responsibilities will include the following:
• Examination, written and photographic documentation of condition;
• Artifact treatment;
• Research into pertinent cultural background and conservation materials;
• Routine lab duties.
Requirements include:
• Completion of graduate-level training in conservation from a recognized program, plus a minimum of two-year post-graduate museum work experience;
• Excellent written and oral communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a group and with individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines;
• Previous experience working with ethnographic material would be optimal, as well as interest in native consultation participation;
• Ability to work on a scissor lift, if necessary.
This position comes with a competitive salary, $50,000 - $60,000, and excellent benefits, title/salary commensurate with experience.
Interested candidates should send a cover letter, resume and three letters of recommendation to:
Judith Levinson
Director of Conservation, Division of Anthropology
levinson@amnh.org
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, and nationality.
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